Description
“BMW’s M3 GT2 raced in premier endurance contests including the ALMS and ILMC series as well as the 24 Hours of N?rburgring.”
While the first generation E30 series BMW M3 was a special model created specifically to pass homologation rules for Group A touring cars, the following second-generation and later models were simply sold as high-performance versions of the 3 Series – but BMW still provided special cars for racing based on these models. For the fourth-generation E92, two racing M3s meeting GT4 and GT2 FIA regulations were prepared. Of the two, the car that was built to match the GT2 regulations (which allowed more modifications), the “M3 GT2,” was the fastest M3 ever developed.
The street spec E92 M3 was one size larger than the previous E46, and its weight had increased by 80 kg to 1,630 kg. However, the engine that propelled it – and propelled it very well – was changed from a 3.2-liter inline-6 to a 4-liter V8, in turn greatly increasing power from the 338 BHP of the standard E46 M3 to 414 BHP.
Based on that car, the M3 GT2 is given a set of front and rear fenders, a hood, trunk lid, and front and rear bumpers all made out of carbon, which lowers the vehicle weight down to 1,245 kg. Both front and rear fenders are enlarged, making the car 4.3 inches wider. The front bumper incorporates air dams for better ventilation and intake, and a large rear wing is added to completely make this a full-on competition race car. With a 1.1-inch restrictor installed, the V8 unit produces over 493 BHP and 361.6 lb-ft.
BMW ran this car in the ALMS and ILMC series, and other 24-hour races in the 2010 race season. The car dominated the GT Class of the ALMS, and achieved overall victories at the N?rburgring 24 hour race as well as the ILMC Zhuhai 1000km.
